Morpeth

Reporter: Sally Obermeder

Sally’s checking in to beautiful Morpeth … and there’s plenty to see and do here. Naturally the first place she’ll be starting is at the shops!

 

Morpeth

 

Morpeth is an historic inland river port on the banks of the Hunter River. It has a genuine historic feel thanks to the mellowed stonework of many of its old buildings.

 

The modest and walkable size of the town and the willows which line the river bank is popular with travellers and tourists to Morpeth.

 

The main street is loaded with arts, crafts and antique shops housed in historic buildings.

 

 

Willow Restaurant

 Willow restaurant’s main focus is on local, seasonal organic produce. As many of their ingredients as possible are sourced from local farms and producers.

 

This also means that they change their menu seasonally to ensure that only the freshest, most appropriate food is available.

 

 

Willow tries to use as much organic produce as they can in their menus. Kids and special needs diets are also catered for.

 

More Information Willow Restaurant Shop 3/165 Swan Street, Morpeth

 

Prices correct as at 06/10/07

 

Morpeth Convent

Morpeth Convent was built in 1909 and was the home of the Sisters of Mercy until 1980. It is a handsome two storey brick building located adjacent to the landmark Church of the Immaculate Conception.

 

The Morpeth Convent has been refurbished as a Guest House and offers bed-and-breakfast style accommodation. Bedrooms have been created from the original cells and are now beautifully appointed with modern features and comforts.

 

 

Morpeth Convent Guest House was fully refurbished in August 2006. The bedrooms are located on the top floor of the Convent with views over the charming grounds, the adjacent Church and Morpeth itself. The rooms are accessed by a two-flight stairway that maintains its original carvings. The Guest House offers 5 rooms; 4 queen rooms and 1 twin. 

 

The Convent has spacious verandahs both upstairs and downstairs, which are accessible by common entries and extensive views of the surrounding countryside can be seen especially from the upper verandah. A unique feature of the Convent is the Chapel with stained glass windows.

 

More Information Morpeth Convent 24 James Street, Morpeth Prices start from $165 per couple per night on the weekend, and rooms can be booked through the Maitland Visitor Information Centre.

 

 

Morpeth Sourdough

Morpeth Sourdough comprises the historic bakehouse, shop and residence, once the home and workplace of the Arnott’s in the 1860's.

 

 

Following the completion of the conservation and restoration of the Historic Arnott's Bakehouse, the site is now open for a guided tour which includes admission to the museum and cafe.

 

The tour takes 30 minutes with the museum and cafe being at your leisure. Bookings are essential and maximum numbers for general tours are 15 persons. Tours are conducted on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00am and at 2:00pm and bookings are essential.

 

More Information Morpeth Sourdough 148 Swan Street, Morpeth

 

Prices correct as at 06/10/07

 

Swan Street Shops

Swan Street is the Hunter’s premier shopping and dining venue. Wander down cobbled streets to find colonial sandstone buildings occupied by around 40 modern and inviting cafes, pubs, galleries, boutiques and antique stores.

 

Be inspired and intrigued by local handicraft and artwork, antiques and unique home wares. Discover exquisite clothing, dazzling jewellery and affordable accessories characterised by individual style and immense character.

 

Offering delectable delights and local produce, Morpeth’s restaurants, eateries and coffee houses use the finest ingredients. Sample many of Morpeth’s treats: fudge and sweets, freshly baked breads and savouries, boutique wines and fresh produce from the surrounding farmers’ stalls.

 

More Information Maitland Visitor Information Centre Cnr New England Highway and High Street, Maitland Telephone: 1300 652 320 www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au You can get all the info and make your bookings for your trip to Morpeth from the Maitland Visitor Information Centre. It’s open 9am – 5pm every day.

 

Prices correct as at 06/10/07